Lifeguards will be back patrolling at least 12 main tourist beaches in Phuket next year. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

The budgets were requested individually by seven local administration organisations (OrBorTor) and municipalities, and will be provided, Gov Phakaphong assured.

Gov Phakaphong provided a breakdown explaining what funds are to be allocated to providing lifeguards at which beaches.

However, it was not clear for how many months – and which months – the lifeguards will be on duty, though it is presumed that lifeguards will be present and patrolling the beaches during the notorious southwest monsoon, which whips up dangerous surf and creates deadly flash rips.

“Together they have allocated a budget of B997,400 to conduct training to educate lifeguards through a program of four training sessions throughout the year, training an estimated 80 persons in each session,” he said.

“The training project will start in March next year,” he added.

“The objective is to develop the capacity of the lifeguards to practice the theory and practice to help the people and tourists on the beach to be effective in accordance with international standards,” he said.

“This will instil a sense of confidence in Thailand’s image among Thais, tourists and expatriates,” he said.

* Correction: Not "nearly B40 million" as originally reported. The error is regretted.

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